Signals for Safety to Minorities Through Clothing is Ineffective.

Lately online (especially on TikTok) a new trend has emerged amongst the left in America, claiming that wearing a blue bracelet is the new symbol/flagging device for someone who is "safe" for oppressed groups/minorities to come to for assistance.

I would like everyone reading to take a pause for a moment, and contemplate what genuine and relevant good this could do. In a moment of crisis, let's say for example, threat of rape or assault, is the hypothetical minority going to look for someone with a blue bracelet to help? Or will they call for the nearest bystanders, or perhaps the police? If I'm being publicly threatened or endangered, chances are I'm going to be looking for people -- not bracelets. 

There was a similar attempt to this concept in ≈2020, where rather than the beloved blue bracelet of today, there was the even more undetectable safety pin which people would fasten to their clothes. This, naturally, was also unsuccessful. 

I don't intend to shame the people who are attempting to begin these movements -- I know that for many the drive for the concept is fueled by love and empathy. However, that doesn't mean it should be supported. Focuses and efforts should be fueled towards other and more important things, like supporting said minorities directly through the causes they actively encourage you to support. I will link a few below. 

Examples of sites to visit to support marginalized communities:

Queer and Transgender youth - The Trevor Project. A (nonprofit NGO) hotline for LGBTQ+ youth that thrives off of donations : https://www.thetrevorproject.org

Black Lives Matter movement - Black Lives Matter. Donate and find resources on the BLM movement : https://blacklivesmatter.com

Palestinians in Gaza - American Friends Service Committee. Find resources on the genocide in Gaza and donate to the humanitarian aid :

 https://afsc.org/news/6-ways-you-can-support-palestinians-gaza

https://afsc.org/news/bringing-moments-joy-children-gaza

African women who are victims of abuse - Grace Christian Ministries. You don't need to be Christian in order to support women who are victims of sexual and physical abuse, learning to sew to make a living. This is a small nonprofit helping abused African women escape from their abusers and start a new life, working and safe. : https://grace-christian.org